Apple has released the iOS 26.2 update, which allows users to control the clarity of lock screen elements, such as the clock, by adjusting the transparency level of the “Liquid Glass” effects. This comes three months after the controversial new design was first introduced.
The update introduces a slider that lets users adjust the appearance of the digital clock, from near-complete transparency to a more blurred look. An additional option allows selecting a “Solid” style instead of “Glass” for a clearer, more eye-comfortable display.
The Liquid Glass design, introduced by Apple with iOS 26 last September, received mixed reactions from users. It replaced the traditional flat icons with dynamic, transparent ones that mimic a material reflecting and refracting their surroundings, distorting the background in real-time to simulate a glass effect. Some users described the icons as tilted and dizzying, while others found the design caused eye strain. In response to this criticism, the new update offers users better customization options.
Alongside lock screen improvements, the update includes other features such as adding alarms to the Reminders app, providing offline lyrics in Apple Music, adding match result widgets, and AI-generated chapters in the Podcasts app. Security has also been enhanced with an extra protection layer when using AirDrop, alongside bug fixes and security updates.
The update is delivered automatically if the auto-update feature is enabled, or it can be installed manually via the “Settings” app. The update has also been released for a range of other Apple devices, including Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.
iOS 26.3: New Directions Towards Openness and Integration with Other Platforms
Apple is also preparing to release the iOS 26.3 update, which goes beyond being a minor system update to reflect the company’s move towards partially opening iOS to competing devices and platforms, amid legislative pressure, particularly within the European Union.
The new update introduces, for the first time, a “Notification Forwarding” feature that allows notifications received on an iPhone to be sent to wearable devices from other companies, such as competing smartwatches.
Activation is limited to one device at a time, with notifications being disabled on the Apple Watch during activation to ensure an organized experience. Users can choose specific apps to forward notifications from, with the app name and full notification text highlighted.
The update includes a built-in data transfer tool to facilitate switching from an iPhone to Android phones. It transfers photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, and phone numbers, with the exception of Health app data, paired devices, and locked notes. The tool requires both devices to be connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth enabled, and the transfer can be initiated by scanning a dedicated QR code or Session ID.
The iOS 26.3 update includes modifications to the lock screen, such as separating weather backgrounds from the Astronomy section, adding a dedicated Weather backgrounds section, and providing three new default weather wallpapers to simplify screen customization and improve the user experience.
This update is a response to European Union legislation, such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates major companies to enhance interoperability with competing platforms. The goal is to promote freedom of interaction between different systems, giving users more flexibility in choosing the devices and software that suit their needs.
The update is expected to be officially available for all iOS 26-supported iPhone devices by the end of next January.
